Compression, deformation, dehydration method of fabrication and implantation of an expansile, hydrogel intraocular lens

Abstract

In the preparation of an expansile, polymeric, hydrogel intraocular lens for small-incision surgery to replace a damaged natural lens, the step of subjecting the polymeric lens material capable of reversible deformation to a compressive force during the drying to cause the disk to deform so that at least one dimension of the lens material decreased, permitting the lens to be inserted in its deformed configuration into the smaller possible wound. An expansile hydrogel intraocular lens material simultaneously reduced in size through dehydration and deformed from its original configuration by compressive forces so that at least one of the dimensions is decreased, said material in its deformed and dehydrated state being stable at room temperature and capable of being stored, shipped, and implanted without refrigeration.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In the process of preparing an expansile hydrogel intraocular lens having a predetermined water level content and a predetermined shape for small incision implantation to replace a damaged natural lens in an otherwise functional eye of a patient, the concurrent steps of subjecting th lens to deformation by a compressive force and dehydration to a water level less than the said predetermined level so as to have at least one dimension of the lens decreased, whereupon the lens will hold its deformed shape and reduced size during storage, shipment, and implantation irrespective of temperature and upon rehydration with body fluids present in the eye, the lens will return to its predetermined shape and swell to its desired size. 
     
     
       2. A dehydrated, deformed expansile hydrogel intraocular lens prepared as set forth in claim 1. 
     
     
       3. An expansile hydrogel intraocular lens material simultaneously reduced in size through dehydration and deformed from its original configuration by compressive forces so that at least one dimensions of the lens material is decreased, said lens material being characterized by returning to its original shape upon rehydration with body fluids following implantation in the eye and swelling to its desired size, said lens material in its deformed and dehydrated state being stable at room temperature and capable of being stored, shipped and implanted without refrigeration. 
     
     
       4. The lens material of claim 3 in the form of an oval. 
     
     
       5. The lens material of claim 3 having a diameter no greater than 3.2 mm.